High Expectations Dashed Again!

Coiled Springs

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s make the short trip up the A19 to take part in the Selby Festival. The sun was in the sky, and despite some players and supporters being stuck oversees, the team was confident that this was their chance to shine. The day got off to a great start with a hard earned draw against Moortown. Only a curious decision to disallow what looked like a great try from the skipper kept the team level.

Hands up and check for nits

There was no break before the boys were onto their next game and with a well earned win against the hosts it looked like the day was going to plan. The boys had a long break before their next game, and the refreshment break looked to takes its toll against a giant Dinnington side who looked to be able to destroy anything in its path. A defeat meant that the result of the last game between Moortown and Selby could make the difference between qualification and a trip home. After an even first half, Moortown stepped up a gear and their result meant they went through to the semi finals on points difference.

Spot the ball

Get the Ref!

Catch!

For the boys not going on tour, this was the last rugby of the season, but I am sure it is just the start of a long journey for the team.

Well done to everyone, and a massive thanks to our supporters!

Knights invade York

Doncaster Knights under 9’s

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s head up the A19 to York for another festival of rugby. This was a great chance to challenge ourselves against new opposition with teams travelling from Cheshire , Lancashire and beyond. And challenged we were, the first game saw the team draw with a strong Chester team and despite loosing their captain at half time to a Knee injury, the boys battled away and conceded a late try for the draw.

Between games, the boys decided they could take on the world, and boosted by the recovery of captain BJ, the team threw everything at the rest of the day. Unfortunately there were some really strong teams on display, and the knights despite 100% effort from everyone just failed to make the knock out stages of the festival. The lads were gutted at first, but a reminder from the coaches about the rules of the team soon saw everyone with a smile back on their faces and remembering what a great day playing rugby they had had.

This is a team who are building in confidence every week, and learning their craft. They will go on to have some great times together and who knows they may even pick up a trophy or two along the way, and some of them may grace out TV screens in years to come – Well done boys – Keep up the hard work !!

Who is the Mystery Player?

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s hard at work. They were training for the 3 remaining festivals this season, looking to improve on the runners up spot at their home festival last week.

Guess who!!

During training, this shot was captured of one of the players ‘hiding’ away – but who is it? The first person to email the coaches with the correct answer will win a mystery prize – will it be you?

Good Luck !!

Don’t forget to watch this space for an update on the Knights’ progress after Easter.

Good luck to the Knights

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Sunday sees the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s take on all comers in their annual festival of junior rugby at Castle Park. The festival has a proud tradition of fun for everyone, and being played at Castle Park – the home of the most promoted rugby team in English rugby history - gives it a special edge.

We will field 2 teams this weekend, reds and blues, both of whom will be proud to carry the name of OneDrywash on their chests. Team captain BJ and Joe have both said they are really excited and hope to do the club, their families and the OneDrywash name proud.

Good luck to the boys – if you are in the area, games start at 10:30am, why not come along and offer your support? If not, watch this space for a festival update next week.
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Knights continue their winning ways

As was always the plan this season, the Onedrywash and Autoglass^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s have worked very hard at the transition from TAG to contact rugby. There was never a rush to ‘win games at any cost’, we wanted to make sure the boys got to grips with the game step by step, and despite the weather since Christmas, that plan is coming to fruition with the side undefeated in the second half of the season so far.

Owain gets his instructions from the sideline

Sunday saw the visit of Old Brodlians to the castle, and the Knights wasted no time in putting them to the sword racing into an early lead with almost the first play of the game. The team worked really hard and pressured Old Brods into mistake after mistake allowing them to kick on for a great win. Player of the day – Scrum half Ol really directed his troops and with a couple of tries to his name took the game by the scruff of the neck. Captain BJ and the rest of his backs line put into practice what they have been learning, and managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over for an impressive win.

Ol encourages the ref!

Game 2 saw a complete change of playing personnel for the Knights and a renewed enthusiasm from Old Brods, but some determined running from Conor and aggressive ‘wrestling’ from Fraser saw the knights hang in there until game 2 captain Joe popped up on the wing to race in for a try to tie up the game.

Clear the way - Conor on the move!

This was a fantastic day for the team – showing how focussed they have remained throughout the long winter – well done boys – keep it up!!

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass^®

Cold Weather Training for the Knights

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Sunday 31st January saw all games called off for the Autoglass^® and Onedrywash^® sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s, but not to be out smarted by the weather, the team found a spare bit of land behind the pitches and spent a couple of hours running through their drills. Plenty of passing, running, lineouts, and break down practice was the order of the day.

Cold weather training!

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it; here’s hoping the weather improves this week so we can get some practice before our second trip to Leeds Carnegie this season.
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The Sponsors come to visit

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From left to right: Mark Hillyer, Autoglass® territory manager
for the north, captain BJ and vice-captain Oliver
(receiving their shirts), SJ Khebbal, Onedrywash CEO

Ben applauds man of the match Jack

One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s match report

Sunday saw SJ make one of his now famous waterlogged trips North. Everytime he has been to see the boys over the last couple of seasons, it has rained, been cold and generally very unwelcoming!

Fear not – the boys decided to make it a day to remember, and with the visit of Sheffield Tigers who act as a feeder club to the first team, they set about putting the many pieces of the jigsaw together all in one game. All season, we have done different things really well as a team, but today – as if to honour the water logged SJ, the boys put everything together in one game, and it was fabulous to watch.

Eventual player of the week – Jack - scored his first, and then second tries of the season.

Jack finally crosses the line

Top Tackler, Dan, lead by example. Harry and Lewi celebrated their birthdays with a massive effort for the team, and the Captain himself – BJ, seems to be settling into his new role at Stand Off, and at last finding some space to open the backs up for a run.

BJ tiptoes through the land of the giants!

Thomas (pictured below) is so used to beating opposition players, he has now mastered it with his eyes shut!

He's so good, Thomas can do it with his eyes closed

It was a cold, wet and muddy day for everyone, particularly our visitor from the South, but we were all warmed through by this massive effort from the boys, who never once moaned about the conditions, and did everything that was asked of them. Days like this are what rugby is made of, and we, as coaches, were proud to be a part of it.

Well done boys !!

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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A day in the country

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Thomas checks the grounding!

KICKABOUT!

Conor hangs on

BJ launches his back line

Sunday saw the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s head out to the countryside with a first-ever trip to Market Rasen.

Having squeezed into the smallest changing room on record, the boys couldn’t wait to get out into the country air and get stuck in. After a thorough warm up, the boys set about trying to overturn the unwanted record of losing the first game each week! Last week's training really looked to have paid off as the forwards set about doing the work that had earned them the nickname of the ‘donkies’ and they worked hard to secure plenty of ball to make the backs look good and, but for a couple of missed tackles, the knights gave their best performance of the season but were once again just edged out.

We made several changes for the second game, including some positional ones but were able to pick up where we left off, and for the first time this season, we rolled the ball through several phases and took the lead in a game.

Not for long though. As the boys were still patting each other on the back and enjoying their moment, the Rasen boys picked up the tempo and again a couple of missed tackles cost the Knights. The game continued to go back and forth, but some excellent handling and brilliant running saw Conor go close, before Thomas ran almost onto the next door pitch to score and secure another game-2 win.

Next week sees the visit of Sheffield Tigers to Castle Park and I know we are all looking forward to more of the great attacking play we saw today, especially as SJ is coming to watch!! Well done to everyone, and a special mention to Thomas as top tackler, Conor as top metre maker, Owain for an outstanding effort for the team and BJ who was player of the week.

Good luck for next week boys.

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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Knights update

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Stand clear - forwards on the loose!

Ease up Jack, I'm on your side!

Sunday was due to see the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s take on big local rivals Rotherham Titans in an attempt to overturn the first team's narrow loss the previous day. Unfortunately, the Titans were unable to field a team, and the Knights got the opportunity to take on a tough training session under the autumn sun.

Whilst the boys love to play, it is important during this massive year of transition that they get the chance to work on the new skills without the pressure of an opposition, and that’s exactly what we did.

Today was about getting the team working for each other, understanding more about the different roles of forwards and backs – the main one being the pretty coloured boots and the great looking hair sported by most of the backs, as opposed to the up and at ‘em mentality of the forwards.

We spent the morning looking at how the forwards could win, steal, and/or secure ball and give the backs the best opportunity to show their lovely boots to the crowd as they ran past. We included a couple of the Rotherham players who had turned up, and they introduced some exciting new thoughts which helped the Knights fire up. After an hour, we re-introduced the backs to the forwards, and ran through some game scenarios. The forwards rucked and mauled for all their worth, and the backs had space to run and let the wind whistle through their flowing locks.

Fraser celebrates his Player of the Day Award with a small blackcurrant!

This was an important session for the boys in terms of understanding the differences in the roles but more importantly how they fit together on game day, and we as coaches were really proud of their achievements.

Bring on game day next week so we can put it into practice.

Well done boys

Mark Howe
Central Support Manager, Retail Repair
Autoglass®
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Remembrance Sunday at Castle Park

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Lest we forget....

Sunday saw the One Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s host local rivals, Sheffield. The boys started with a minute's silence at 11am and a moment to remember those who have given their lives for our country.

Once the game got started, Doncaster did their best to hold onto a free-flowing hard-running Sheffield side, but seemed to come off second best in contact, and the one-man breaks from a very experienced looking scrum half were hard to track. Credit to the boys though; they battled right the way to the end of the game and gave their all for the cause.

Strictly Come Rugby!

The coaches spent some time talking about working as a team, and the pride of walking from the field with their heads held high, and being able to say they had given their all. We then made some changes and set about the task. The boys worked tirelessly and not for the first time this season (infact it's becoming a weekly event!!), the boys turned the defeat around, and the all-winning Sheffield side were held to their first draw of the season. The boys played with real passion and worked for each other, and it was great to see Ethan stand tall as player of the day, having rucked and mauled his way to near exhaustion !!!!

The effort from everyone in and around the team is really starting to pay off, and I am really proud to say I have been a part of the boys' development until now – good luck boys; keep working hard.
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Winter rugby at last !

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Get off me foot !!

Oh no you dont !!

World Gnome fishing championships - Hull 2009

We have been spoilt so far this season, playing deep into October in fabulous sunshine and balmy temperatures. But Sunday saw the first Winter rugby for the season, and for many of our new players, yet another step in their long rugby roads!

We headed down the M62 to Hull Ionians, and after 30 minutes in the dressing rooms, we decided we could hide no more and headed out on our expedition to the pitches. Not sure whether to run, paddle or swim, the boys reluctantly headed out. We had a good warm up and, despite the weather, we looked promising with some really slick handling – always a worry to the coaches when we look this good in warm up!

Eventually, Hull found their way to the pitch and we got started on the first of our 2 games for the day. The boys worked really hard and played exactly how they had been taught; just a shame that the opposition, and at times the referee, seemed to be playing a different game! It was a very physical and a very wet game, and I am only glad it wasn’t my turn to wash the shirts this week!

The boys battled well and kept plugging to the end, but weren’t really given the space to play by a ‘keen’ Hull side on a very small pitch, and we came off second best.

With water in places not to be mentioned, it would have been easy to call it a day and head back to the warm, but after a short huddle together, most of the knees had stopped knocking and the teeth stopped chattering so we decided to give it another go! This time, we offered to referee and the boys slotted back into the routine they know best – knocking down the big men and running hard and straight at the opposition. Some great team work and good passing saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Knights under 9’s record another great victory and, for the second game in a row, turn defeat into victory against a powerful opposition. It was an outstanding effort by everyone, with the pieces of the jigsaw slowly starting to come together – watch this space!

Well done to 'Player of the Day': Oliver, 'Most Effort for the Team': Luis, 'Top Metre Maker': Thomas and 'Top Tackler': BJ.

Here’s hoping for less rain next week and a chance to show off some of those great skills.
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Knights begin the long season

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Don't stop me now!

Ready when you are!

Sunday saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s enter into their first competitive game following their exhibition at Headingley last weekend.

Everyone was up for the challenge of a Newark side who had beaten all comers in their opening tournament last weekend. The dressing room bounced to the sound of Scouting for Girls as the team prepared for battle. They trained well and looked ready for the challenge, but this was new territory. The boys were no longer trying to knock over a team mate in training; they now had complete strangers trying to knock them down, and the first half took its toll. After some changes and some words from the coaches, the team set about the second half with renewed vigour, and started to put into practice some of what they had learned. They looked much more relaxed and started to pass, tackle and even fight for the ball. The result didn’t go their way, but the team came a long way during this game. During the second game, the team looked to be working much better together, and resisted the advances of Newark for a longer period. They battled hard and were once again edged out of a competitive game.

Today's experience will be invaluable to the team, and they will go from strength to strength as the season progresses. I was especially proud of the efforts of everyone today and the smiles afterwards. The boys knew they had been tested, but know what they have to work on. Well done to Jack who took the Player of the Day having contributed massively in both games, and to BJ who ran himself to a standstill for his team. A special mention to Josh who broke with tradition by scoring so early in the season, and to Thomas for his tackling and James for his tireless running. A huge thanks to Mick for refereeing, and last but not least, thanks to the parents, who at times looked more nervous than the boys (and me). Your support is greatly appreciated.

Good luck for Selby next week.

Junior Rugby: Doncaster Knights under 9’s season kicks off to a good start

.Ready to go

All action

Debut at last

Sunday saw the contact rugby debut of the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 9’s, and this was no ordinary game !!

The boys got the chance to play at Headingley Carnegie during the half time interval in the premiership match between Leeds and Gloucester – in front of almost 6000 people. They handled themselves really well, and were not in intimidated by the crowd; in fact, with the twinkle toes of Aaron, the determination of James on his debut and the voices of BJ and Oliver, they positively rose to the occasion, and Conor's applause to the crowd on his way from the field was a clear indication of the enjoyment all round.

As coaches, we were really proud of the boys' first effort, and we are all really looking forward to our first competitive game against Newark on Sunday.

GOOD LUCK BOYS

Mark
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Junior rugby: preparations for the new season

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Up, up and away!

2 weeks and counting

This week saw the half way point in the preparations for the new season for the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights Under 9’s. This was the start of week 3 of our 4-week preparations, and we are officially a rugby team !! We played our first practice match, 15 minutes of tackling, banging, boshing, scrummaging and organized chaos.

As head coach, it’s a nervous time, but this was 15 minutes of real rugby, of some slick passing, excellent support play and top tries. I have never felt more confident that, as a team, we will be ready for our first outing at Headingley on October 4th. The effort and development of the players has been fantastic, and the support for the coaching team from parents has been brilliant – thanks !!

Come here!

Next weekend will see our last 2 sessions, and we will be pushing towards a full practice match. Keep up the hard work boys – good luck from the coaching team.

Well done to this week's player of the week – seen below directing his troops – captain BJ, and newcomer, Jack, who was rewarded for his efforts with the prestigious ‘Most Effort for the Team’ award.

That way!

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First scrum, first lineout and first ‘real’ rugby

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The first scrum

This week's session saw the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights Under 9’s reach the halfway point in the preparation for their contact rugby debut, and all the hard work looks to be paying off.

This weekend saw the boys experience their first scrum – a scary moment for mums and dads - their first lineout, and their first ‘real’ rugby!! As coaches, it's quite unnerving to see the team which took on the world last season have moments of looking like they have never played the game before. But the truth is, they never have – well not in this format. Nobody wants to stand in an attacking line waiting for a pass when they can run in and ‘BOSH’ someone and get it for themselves. Nobody wants to pass the ball to a team mate when they can run over someone, and who can blame them? The most important thing for us as coaches at this stage is to see the boys grasping the basics – which they are doing really well, and most importantly enjoying themselves – which, as the ear-to-ear, gumshield-baring smiles suggest, is very much the case.

We have 4 sessions left before our first outing, and if the current progress is anything to go by, I am sure it won't be long before we establish ourselves as ‘world beaters’ again. I am sure we are in the same position as every other team at this stage of the season. The difference for the Knights being the team spirit, the big smile and the desire to succeed – WATCH THIS SPACE.

Well Done this week's Player of the Week, Dan, and the rising star who gave the most in training: Fraser!

oooffff!!

time for a cuddle

player of the week

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Knights back to business

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New season begins for the Doncaster Knights under 9’s Rugby Team

Back to business

Sunday (6th Sept) saw the first full training session of the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights Under 9’s.

The team has kept in contact over the summer with some get togethers at the local park, and last weekend saw the Knights' north sea challenge which was won by Luis Haythorne, closely followed by Joseph Tune and Conor Gilmore; they were after all the only ones daft enough to leave the relative safety of the beach at Bridlington. The team spent the afternoon at the fairground with one or two parents looking a bit more shaken than the boys !!

Pre-season dip

This week saw the team return to the real business of learning a whole new game of ‘contact’ rugby. The team paraded out in their new shoulder pads and head guards with newly fitted silencers – better know as gum shields - ensuring a peaceful day for the coaches. The squad has swelled in number over the summer and have a lot to learn over the coming weeks, but with the support of the coaches and the great effort being shown by the boys, all the signs point to another great season for the team.

One Wetwash!

They have 3 weeks left to prepare for their first outing at Headingley Carnegie during their premiership game with Gloucester. Then it's down to business with trips all over Yorkshire in the coming months.

"Thanks to Onedrywash for their continued support – we plan to represent you with pride again this season."

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Player of the Year (junior rugby)

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Donny Knight and John Rouse, the tournament manager,
presents the Captain, BJ Howe, with a commemorative ball

Great News for The Captain !!

Last week, Captain of the Onedrywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights Under 8’s was chosen to represent Kirk Sandall Junior School under 11’s. Despite playing 3 years above his age, BJ led by example, scoring some excellent tries and was bitterly disappointed to be on the losing side in the final.

His day took a turn for the better though during the presentations when he was recognized as the ‘Donny Knight Young Player of the Year for 2009’.

A big well done from the rest of the team – here’s hoping he plays as well next season.
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Sponsors' images - Clearest badge impressions

Sunday (15th March) saw the Miracle Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored Doncaster Knights under 8’s make the short trip up the A19 to York to face both York and Otley, teams who have always loved to take on the Knights.

The Doncaster under 8’s love to throw the ball around and work the spaces on the field, so it came as no surprise to find ourselves playing on 2 of the smallest pitches we have ever come across, and against 2 teams who were going to surround the ball carrier at every opportunity and limit the Knights' game plan.

It took a few minutes to settle in, and despite the, once again, physical nature of the games, and some interesting interpretations of the laws of the game, the Knights team soon settled into their routine and some excellent strong running from player of the day, Ethan Commons, and fantastic support from the player, voted as giving the most for the team, Owain Herring, saw the boys run in some great tries and come from behind against both oppositions to take well-earned draws.

The Knights have a week of training next week, before entering the final month of the season which will see them take on strong local rivals Dinnington, play host to their own festival at the start of April before heading off on tour to play in the Scarborough international festival. Here's to a great end to the season – good luck boys !!

Doncaster Knights: Rugby blog

Sunday (8th March) dawned with a bit of sunshine, a gentle breeze and huge expectation following the Doncaster Knights' first team's win over previously undefeated neighbours, Leeds, the day before. The Miracle Drywash and Autoglass®-sponsored under 8’s were to host the ‘giants’ from Hull Ionians who have always provided a tough test.

Again there were enough players for 2 teams, and despite the weather already starting to turn, there was a steely determination amongst the team, which saw them keen to get started.

Immediately, Hull came at the Doncaster Knights, and took an early lead, and what looked like control, of the game. They were running hard, if sideways, and supporting each other in a way that we usually see from the home team. Slowly but surely though, the mistakes started to creep in, and with one or two refereeing decisions going against them, Hull started to back off, and Doncaster grew in confidence.

Half time arrived at 2 tries a piece, which shows how tight the game was, and after some words from the coaches and the captain, the boys couldn’t wait to get started. The knights made a couple of changes, and suddenly they were the side supporting well, running hard and starting to score points. The curtain fell on game one with the Doncaster boys one try ahead.

For Game 2, a whole new team was introduced, led by Ben Rivers, and 10 seconds in, Hull looked to be up to old tricks as they cut through the home team to take and early lead.

The pattern was the same as the first game, with Hull controlling the game and running with determination, but as half time approached, Doncaster started to settle and put some of their own pressure on, and as in the first game, the mistakes started to come from Hull allowing the Knights to still be in the game at half time. The weather was now starting to play its part, and with several players now shivering, and everyone getting wet, the coaches made a couple of necessary changes and the game restarted. In almost a mirror of the first game, it was the Knights' turn to play the rugby, and some real determination from Thomas Colcombe and some fantastic support from Owain, Harry and Lewi eventually saw the gap created for BJ to score the winning try. The final whistle went on another epic, low-scoring encounter which saw The Knights under 8’s once again come out on top by one try.

A tough day in tough conditions which saw the Knights victorious – Well done everyone !!

Keeping the ball hidden !!

So many choices - so little time !

Sneaking past!

Ooh ooh ooh - staying alive !

Come here !!